Congratulations! Alhamdulillah (Praise to Allah) who has guided you to Islam, the path to success in this life and the next.

So now you are a new Muslim with lots on your mind. Amidst the joy and excitement of embracing Islam you may also be feeling bewildered or confused regarding what to do next.

You may have concerns about how your family or friends will react. No doubt there is lots to learn and obstacles to overcome, but with a sincere effort and a strong faith in Allah, everything will fall into place.

Below you will find the most important advice we can offer you as a new Muslim. Donít rush yourself, go at your own pace, and most of all remember we are here to help and support you every step of the way.

Importance of Prayer

[ďThe importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim. ...

The importance of the prayers lies in the fact that no matter what actions one performs in his life, the most important aspect is oneís relationship to Allah, that is, oneís faith (imaan), God-consciousness (taqwa), sincerity (ikhlas) and worship of Allah (`ibaadah). This relationship with Allah is both demonstrated and put into practice, as well as improved and increased, by the prayer. ...

Seek Knowledge

Acquiring Islamic knowledge is vital to every Muslim. Clearly knowledge must precede action, since it is the bases by which one knows his/her obligations to Allah.

"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge." [Ta-Ha 20:114]

Also the prophet, peace be upon him, informed us of the reward for one who seeks knowledge.

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "For him who embarks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the way to paradise." (Related by Muslim) ...

Importance of the Mosque (Masjid)

The mosque plays a central role in Muslim society. Apart from being a place of prayers (the 5 daily prayers as well as the Friday prayer) the Mosque is a learning center. Itís a place where study circles and lectures are held for Muslims to learn more about Islam. Also a place were Muslims meet to study and recite the Quran, collect charity for the poor, and discuss issues concerning the community. Itís an ideal place for a new convert to meet Muslims and learn in a short time what would normally take weeks or months to learn alone. Naturally many new converts are shy or afraid to make their first visit to the mosque, but if they knew the joy which Muslims share when they meet a convert, such hesitation would disappear....

Staying In touch

"Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." [2:277]

"Islam in Focus" is an interesting general book on Islam, written by Hammudah Abdalati more than 30 years ago.

This is an extract from the author's preface:

QUOTE

The future of Islam is the future of humanity, and if humanity has any future - which I believe it has - there is a great and bright future in store for Islam. The spiritual battle which the Muslims are fighting today is not a losing battle, although the progress appears to be slow. If the Muslims, for any reason, lose their spiritual battle, humanity will suffer irreparable losses.

The significance of this preface, then, is to draw a realistic picture of the situation which is confronting the Muslims of the New World. It is to warn parents and children alike of the dangers that are approaching and of the losses that must be prevented. Moreover, it is to remind all those who are genuinely interested in the spiritual well-being of humanity that they have to be alert and take a fresh attitude toward humanity and its problems.

This web site (Mutmainaa), which means at peace, is a personal site on geocities by a Muslim sister who over the years has been able to gather together an excellent collection of articles and resources on Islam

http://iprofess.com/ is an awesome site chock full of resources for the new muslim in english and spanish. I've been going there for years, and will always refer it to those new to or interested in Islam. Some of my favorite artices:

http://www.iprofess.com/imperfect.htm - islam is perfect, muslims aren't. For all those who have been disapointed when they find that muslims do not always measure up to the ideals of this beautiful religion

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